Yasin Gungor
12 March 2025•Update: 12 March 2025
ISTANBUL
US President Donald Trump’s border czar Tom Homan faced protests during a visit Wednesday to the New York State Capitol in Albany.
Demonstrators, including assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, criticized Homan’s role in implementing harsh immigration policies and the detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and prominent figure in pro-Palestine encampments at Columbia University.
“Do you believe in the First Amendment?” Mamdani shouted at Homan, questioning his respect for freedom of speech amid Khalil’s detention.
Mamdani accused Homan of pushing mass deportations and targeting working-class New Yorkers.
Other protesters held banners that read: “Immigrants are New York” and “Seeking refuge is a human right,” highlighting opposition to Trump’s immigration agenda.
Homan, known for advocating strict border enforcement, visited Albany to criticize New York Democrats for their pro-immigration policies. His role in the Trump administration has been central to increased deportations.
Trump has prioritized strict enforcement and reduced pathways for asylum seekers.
The detention of Khalil, a legal resident and expectant father, has become a flashpoint in the debate about the administration’s treatment of immigrants.
